The tower is already a major landmark in the city

The handover had been postponed on 6 October because of problems with the external lift. The council says it has since operated successfully 500 times.

The landmark tower was finally handed over to the city council from developers Mowlem on Tuesday night.

At a press conference, operators Heritage said the tower would open on Tuesday 18 October.

The landmark was due to open for the Millennium, but the tower has been beset with problems, including a �10m overspend at the taxpayers' expense.

The public was originally promised it would not have to foot the bill for the tower, but costs spiralled.

A dedication service is expected to take place at the base of the Tower on Sunday at 1530 BST.